Hurricane Irene damages N.J. crops, ruining some harvests

Hillsborough farm sustains significant crop loss from Hurricane IreneFlooding resulting from Hurricane Irene has cut a swath of destruction through farms in rural areas of central New Jersey. At Norz Hill Farm in Hillsborough, Somerset County, Rich and Debbie Norz lost between 20 and 30 percent of their crops when the South Branch of the Raritan River, which runs alongside their property, surged across fields of corn and soy beans. Rich Norz, a fourth-generation farmer, said the flooding also laid waste to some 17 acres of pumpkins, which are a big draw for agri-tourism in the fall. (Video by Nyier Abdou/The Star-Ledger)

ANDOVER — Just last week, Tranquility Farms in Andover prepared for autumn visitors by cutting a maze in a four-acre cornfield, complete with a pattern spelling out "God Bless America."

That work was for nothing, however: Hurricane Irene decked the whole field. "It’s completely flat to the ground," manager Erin Freeborn said.

Garden State farmers saw spotty damage to sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes and squash, according to the state Department of Agriculture. Other crops withstood the wind only to become too waterlogged to recover.

Apples and grapes were not yet fully ripe, so proved resilient against Irene’s winds. But the tail end of the peach crop was blown off the trees, with one Gloucester County farmer estimating he’d lost half of what remained of his harvest.

"Once they hit the ground, they’re done," said Santo John Maccherone, of Circle M Farms, another Gloucester orchard. He’s counting himself lucky, though. "It’s a loss, but I’m happy compared to what it could’ve been," he said.

At Norz Hill Farms, a 1,100-acre farm in Hillsborough along the south branch of the Raritan River, owner Richard Norz estimates he lost a third of his pumpkin crop.

"That is all probably floating somewhere down to New York City in the Raritan Bay," he said ruefully. The remaining pumpkins may not survive, since they don’t fare well in standing water. Many will likely rot.

A 10-acre cornfield was also submerged. Even if the water quickly recedes, the sweet corn will be ruined, he said, too soaked with silt to sell.

Other plants may rebound quickly from their soaking. The wind dashed ripe raspberries to the ground at Sussex County Strawberry Farm, but didn’t damage the bushes. By next week, partner John Wolters said, a new crop of berries should be ready.

At Tranquility Farms, where the corn maze was lost, there are pressing issues: As of yesterday afternoon, they were still without, relying on an emergency generator to milk the cows.